Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,800, James Fletcher, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Fletcher James
S. 29.800
CONTENTS

21.361
Massachusetts
James Fletcher
Worcester in the State of Mass who was a Lieut. Genl. in the Corp. comman Captain Batchelder of the Regt comman Col. Same in the Mass
for 2 Mos. 15 d. priv. $155.90 27. Lieut. 38.98 $8.33 69.63 Mh $194.90
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 77 Dollars 96 Cents per ann to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Sep. 1833 and due to D. Adair Mybridge
Arrears to the 14th of Sep. '33 $194.90 Sem-ant. allowance ending 14 Mo. '34 38.98 $233.88
Revolutionary Claim, for June 7, 1832.
Recorded by G. C. Atty Clerk Book E Vol. 4 Page 26
# Shd be $87.10
86 Unclear

9445 James Fletcher
Plato 2 Mar - 15 days dent 5 - 27 "
1606 \begin{array}{r} 10 \overline{) 1333} \\ 1.333 \end{array}
12 00 May 10 1833
P. 390 1/3
40 26.67
66 57 666 \begin{array}{r} 30 \overline{) 1320} \\ 120 \end{array} 4 4 12, 00 166 8.35
78 167 $66 65 \begin{array}{r} 2.97 \\ 69.63 \end{array} 27 1
Buy Adams Uxbridge mass

9445-  BRIEF in the case of James Fletcher  of Worcester in the State of Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 85  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     19 Apr 95 — at least 15 Private Gen. Batchelder Col. Larned   Dec. 75 — 2 — " Capt Woodbury "do   Dec. 76 — 1 12 Lieut. Capt Batchelder - Lt. Col. Tyler   Aug 77 - Dec 77 — 4 — Lieut. Capt Knapp Col. Cushing   July 80 — as soon as he can 15 " Capt Batchelder Col. Tyler  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? 
Bunker Hill
 6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? 
Northbridge
 7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 
2 living witnesses
 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
Papers not properly authenticated
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. C. Easton Examining Clerk. 16 July 1833

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Worcester ss. On this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two, personally appeared in open court before Nathaniel Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
now sitting James Fletcher as resident of Northbridge in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged eighty five years, who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named Officers and served as herein stated.
He was called out on the alarm on the 19 th day of April in the year 1775, the day the first battle of the war of the Revolution was fought at Lexington & he went to Cambridge near Boston, on his way there at Watertown he saw two dead men, who were killed as was said by the British on their retreat to Boston; from Cambridge he went to Roxbury & there stayed until the Army was organized, which was at least two weeks, under the command of David Batchelder in the Regiment of Col. Ebenezer Learned. In the the forepart of Sum- mer in the year 1775 he was called out to go to Roxbury to take the place of Connecticut men, whose time of service was then expired, he was called out for six weeks in the first place, but the Army was not filled in that time, & he was requested to stay longer, which he did & made two months in the whole, during this time he was in Capt. Bartholomew Woodbury's Company & in Col. Learned's Regiment.

In December in the year 1776, He was called out to go to Providence in the state of Rhode Island for the term of Six weeks, he was stationed in the College, and was in Capt. David Batchelder's, company he then was a Lieutenant & served as such during said time; Nathan Tyler was the Lt. Col. in the Regiment he belonged to - In the month of August in the year 1777 Men were called for to go to Bennington in the state of Vermont, he went as Lieutenant in the company of Capt. Job Knapp, in the Regiment of Col. Job Cushing, Lt. Col. Stephen Dine, Major Rand & Major Bauman were the other field Officers in said Regiment, from Bennington in Vermont he Marched to Stillwater, where a battle was fought with the British, he was not in the battle, but in a reserved party who lay upon their arms the night after the battle, before day light the next morning said reserved party marched to attack the enemy, but when he & the said party came upon the battleground found the enemy had retreated, he & the American forces followed them to Saratoga, where Burgoyne & his Army capitulated. After which, he & the Regiment, were ordered to Albany & from thence down the Northriver to White Plains; where he was dismissed & returned home on or about the eleventh day of December in the year 1777.
In July in the year 1780 he was called out on an alarm, & went to Swanton in the state of Rhode Island, he then was Lt. in the company commanded by David Batchelder, in Col. Tyler's Regiment he was gone two weeks as near as he can remember - He was born in Grafton in said County of Worcester on the first day of January Old Style - He believes there is a record of his birth in the records of the said Town of Grafton, but does not remember he ever saw it. He was living in the said Town of Northbridge aforesaid when he was called into service the several

times as aforesaid, he has lived in said Northbridge for sixty years now last past. He had two commissions, as Lieutenant the first was signed by the Members of the Provincial Council - and the second by the Governor, John Hancock, which commissions are now lost he is not able to find them.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Before Nathl. Gaine James his Fletcher Judge of Probate for mark The County of Worcester.
We John Crane a clergy man residing in the town of Northbridge in the County of Worcester & Benjamin Adams residing in the town of Uxbridge in said County certify that we are well acquainted with James Fletcher who has subscribed & Sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty five years of age, that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Before Nathl. Gaine Judge of Probate for The County of Worcester
John Crane Benjamin Adams
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the in- -terrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Crane

who signed the foregoing certificate, is a clergyman, and resident in said Northbridge and Benjamin Adams who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town of Uxbridge & is a credible person, & that their Statement is entitled to credit.
NATHL STARR Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester.
I Theophilus Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Tuttle for a Pension, and that Benjamin Adams before whom the annexed affidavits were made is a Justice of the Peace in Hopsfield County in full credit —
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Probate Court this 28th day of August A.D. 1832.
Theophilus Wheeler Register of Probate for said County

An open antique ledger book lies flat against a dark background. The book has two facing pages, both of which are ruled with horizontal lines. The paper is a warm, off-white or light cream color, showing signs of age such as slight yellowing and minor foxing or staining, particularly along the edges. The central gutter of the book is clearly visible, dividing the two pages. On the left page, near the bottom edge, there is a small, faint printed label that reads "Document #1574". The overall texture of the paper appears slightly grainy and matte.

9445 James Fletcher
Rev. Adams, Uxbridge Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Fletcher which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [Signature]
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  Yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  Yes
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?  Yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?  Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  Yes
XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  Yes 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeh and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

second eighteen hundred &
9445 Cape of
James Stetcher

I William Hunt of Richmond in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire of lawful age, do testify & say, I was on a tour of duty of six weeks in the latter part of the year 1776 & the beginning of the year 1777, we were stationed during the time for the College at Providence Rhode Island. During which time I well remember James Fletcher now of Northbridge in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, served as Lt. in the Company commanded by David Batchelder, in the Regiment under the command of Lt. Col. Nathan Sylvester During which time I was the waiter of the said James Fletcher, Lt. as aforesaid, since which time the said Fletcher has been the Colonel of a Regiment - and further the deponent saith not
attest Benjamin Adams
his William X Hunt mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss. to Northbridge August 14 - 1832. Then personally appeared William Hunt, who signed the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. I further certify I have some acquaintance with the said deponent & believe him to be a credible witness. Benjamin Adams Justice of the peace.

I Elisha Murdock of Uxbridge in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do testify & say, that I was born the twenty fifth day of November A.D. 1754. That I have known Col. James Fletcher of Northbridge in said County as long back as sixty years, That in the year 1777 the said James Fletcher went as a Lieutenant into the army in the State of New York at the taking of Burgoyne the said Fletcher left home about the middle of August & he returned home again in December the said year 1777, & was gone about four months, he served during said time in Capt. Job Knapp's Compa- -ny in the Regiment of Col. Job Cushing, L t Col. Stephen Rice, Major Rand & Major Bawson were the other field officers in said Regiment; I served in said Knapp's Company during said Campaign as an Ordinary Sergeant. & further the Dependent saith not
Elisha Murdock
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss. Uxbridge July 16-1832. Then Elisha Murdock, per- -sonally appeared, who signed the above Deposition, and made Solemn Oath to the truth of the same. I further certify that I am acquainted with the said Elisha Murdock & know him to be a person of truth & a credible Witness. Benjamin Adams Justice of the peace
Subpoena to

JUNE 1 1835
Rev' Adams Uxbridge Mass
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. I, Stephen Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that the Papers now submitted by you under the seal of the said Court are the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Fletcher for a Pension —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 29th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three
Stephen Wheeler Regt of said Court

O. M. N. J. S. C. J. 29,800 Rev. War.
July 25, 1904.
Sir: - In reply to your inquiry you are advised that James Fletcher who was born in Grafton, Worcester Co. Mass. January 1, 1747 (Old Style), applied for pension August 28, 1832 at which time he resided at Northbridge Worcester Co., Mass. - lived at Northbridge aforesaid and he stated that he was called out on the alarm of April 19, 1775, under Capt. David Batchellor, Col. Ebenezer Learned; and served two weeks. December 1775; under Capt. Bartholomew Woodbury, same Colonel; two months. December 1776; as Lieutenant, under Capt. David Batchellor, Lt. Col. Nathan Tyler; six weeks. August 1777; Lieutenant, under Capt. Job Knapp, Col. Job Cushing; was at the Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga; discharged December 1777 at White Plains. July 1780; Lieutenant, under Capt. David Batchellor, Col. Tyler; two weeks. His claim was allowed.
Mr. W. P. Baxter, P. O. Box 238 Chicago - Illinois,
Very resp
Conr

29800 JRW
Si No. 29,800, Inv., Revolutionary War.
April 26, 1904.
Sir:
In reply to your recent inquiry you are advised that the records of this Bureau afford no information respecting Catharine, wife of James Fletcher.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. F. F. Fletcher, Minneapolis, Minn.